Victorian Trades Hall Council. The voice of Victorian workers since 1856.Victorian Trades Hall Council. The voice of Victorian workers since 1856.

Victorian Budget Must Challenge Skills Shortage Head On

The $500 Trades Bonus, aimed at cutting the 50% first year drop-out rate amongst young workers who take up apprenticeships, will be a key test of the Victorian 2006 Budget, the VTHC said today.
“Young Victorians deserve a first go at skilled jobs in this country and the Victorian government’s $1.2 billion for schools, skills and training must be targeted to end the Howard government’s policy of flooding our jobs market with overseas, bonded guest workers”, said Mr Brian Boyd, VTHC Secretary.
“Victoria can lead the nation in creating a skills base that will protect job opportunities, our manufacturing base and hard won standard of living”, added Mr Boyd.
The VTHC Secretary also said: “The other key test of the budget is making sure the $1.3 billion nominated for health and community services capital spending goes to those areas of Victoria where it is most needed.”
“Our community sector, and particularly the people who work in it, deserve much higher status and recognition in our evolving, complicated social structure”.
The VTHC also noted the 10% cut to WorkCover premiums and called on the Victorian government to match this benefit to employers with more money going to preventative strategies to reduce injury at work and assistance to workers already injured.
Finally the VTHC welcomed the proposed multi-billion dollar investment in roads, rail, public transport and other large infrastructure capital works.
“The jobs creation in the infrastructure proposals is a great step forward for Victoria and should be linked to the plans to enhance the skills and training of young Victorians”, concluded Mr Boyd.


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